For his outstanding service, even during the COVID-19 pandemic in leading numerous projects, Emmerson Beckles was named by the Kiwanis Club Barbados North as its Kiwanian of the Year 2021-22.
Beckles, who is a Distinguished President within the organisation, helped to get hampers almost every week to deserving households, particularly in the northern districts. He reached out to the aged and to those with physical challenges to help, whether at Christmas, birthdays or other special occasions.
Beckles is a dedicated and determined community worker and spends much of his time in St Andrew where he grew up helping the less fortunate.
Given the emphasis Kiwanis worldwide places on children, Beckles worked with the St Bernard’s primary school in St Joseph to help with their breakfast club and graduation ceremony. He helped to launch a tree planting initiative along the Barclays Park area on the East Coast and plans to continue this environmental project given its potential economic, social and recreational benefits.
Reacting to his win, Beckles said: “While the effort, time and resources spent in undertaking community service activities are not for the receipt of awards and accolades, it is nevertheless uplifting and restoring when such are conveyed. It is, therefore, with much gratitude and humility that I accept the Kiwanian of the year award 2021/22 from the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North.
“This award has really been the result of the hard work of the members of the community services committee of the Club, as well as the overwhelming support provided by the wider membership for projects and activities planned and executed. Thanks to DP Eric Smith for recognizing the effort made and conveying this award to myself and the team,” he added.
The award was announced on Thursday night during the annual President’s Award ceremony, which was held virtually this year.
For its outstanding service during the 2021 -22 years, the club has been granted distinguished status by Kiwanis International.
The Kiwanis Club North, which is celebrating its 36th Charter anniversary, meets every other Thursday at 8 p.m. via Zoom and welcomes new members who want to volunteer to build better communities and help children in particular.
The incumbent president is Mike Archer, and the secretary is Annette Harper. (PR)
